Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives Recipe

Bright, bold, and impossibly easy, Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives is one of those magical dinners that looks stunning and tastes even better. Fresh salmon fillets roast alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, fragrant garlic, and a sprinkle of thyme for a meal that bursts with color and Mediterranean flavor. In under half an hour, you’ll have a dish that impresses company yet feels perfectly at home on a weeknight table. If you’re craving something both healthy and satisfying, this might just become your new staple!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives brings something special—vibrant color, zesty flavor, or luscious texture. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to achieve a seriously tasty meal.

• Salmon fillet: Go for the freshest you can find—good salmon stays moist and brings rich, buttery notes to the dish.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved and ready to burst in the oven, they add vibrant color and juicy tang.
• Kalamata olives: Quartered for the perfect bite-sized pop of briny, salty goodness.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Divided between the tomato mixture and brushing on the salmon, this brings a peppery, silky finish.
• Minced garlic: Invites aromatic depth and that unmistakable, mouthwatering flavor to every forkful.
• Fresh thyme: Adds herbal brightness that pairs so beautifully with fresh fish and tomatoes.
• Salt and ground pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and enhancing each ingredient.

How to Make Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees F. This hot, steady temperature helps the salmon and vegetables roast quickly while keeping their colors vivid. Grab a large rimmed sheet pan—no need to line it, but make sure it’s big enough to keep the salmon and tomato mixture side by side.

Step 2: Mix Up the Tomato & Olive Topping

In a medium bowl, gather your halved cherry tomatoes, quartered olives, one tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and half of the salt and pepper. Give them a good stir so the oil and thyme coat everything, infusing their flavors throughout. This mixture will caramelize slightly as it roasts, turning juicy and sweet.

Step 3: Spread and Season

Spoon the tomato and olive blend onto just one half of your prepared baking sheet, spreading it in an even layer. This lets their juices mingle without crowding the salmon. Next, brush each salmon fillet with the remaining olive oil, then sprinkle them evenly with the rest of your salt and pepper for well-rounded seasoning.

Step 4: Arrange the Salmon

Set the fillets skin side down (if they have skin) on the empty side of the sheet pan. Spacing them out allows hot air to circulate and cook them evenly; you want each piece of salmon to roast gently without steaming.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it work its magic for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the salmon is ready when it flakes easily at the thickest part, and the tomato mixture looks saucy, glossy, and slightly caramelized. Spoon the tomato and olive mixture over each fillet right before serving for the freshest flavors.

How to Serve Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or a few extra thyme leaves makes Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives feel instantly more special. For extra zing, consider a little lemon zest or a drizzle of herbed olive oil over each portion.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with fluffy couscous, creamy polenta, or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. Roasted potatoes or a rustic chunk of toasted sourdough are also perfect for soaking up every bit of that savory tomato and olive sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to layer things up, serve the salmon atop a bed of garlic mashed cauliflower or quinoa pilaf and spoon the tomato mixture over for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy plate. Try plating each fillet on an individual platter or, for family-style, present the entire sheet pan at the table for everyone to help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors mellow and meld overnight, making lunch the next day even more delicious.

Freezing

While cooked salmon can be frozen, keep in mind the texture may change slightly once thawed. For best results, freeze the salmon and tomato mixture separately in tightly-sealed containers and enjoy within one month.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a 300 degrees F oven or in a covered skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Microwaving is quick, but use a lower setting and cover loosely to avoid drying out the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives?

Absolutely! While salmon’s richness stands up beautifully to the garlic and olives, other firm fish like cod, halibut, or even trout work well with the same method. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as thinner fillets may roast more quickly.

Can I prepare Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives in advance?

You can mix the tomato and olive topping ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use. For best texture, roast the salmon just before serving, so it stays juicy and perfectly flaky.

What’s the best way to tell if my salmon is perfectly cooked?

Your salmon is done when it flakes easily at its thickest point and is just opaque throughout. If you have a thermometer, aim for 125 degrees F for moist, slightly translucent results, or up to 140 degrees F for well-done.

Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives in Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives?

You can swap in any good-quality black olive, like Castelvetrano or Nicoise, or even use green olives for a slightly different briny punch. Just be sure to use pitted and chopped olives for easy eating.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?

Great news—Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives is already naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, making it a wonderful choice for a wide range of eaters and any gathering where special diets are a concern.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that bursts with flavor, color, and freshness, it doesn’t get much better than Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives. I hope you love this vibrant recipe as much as my friends and family do—don’t be surprised if it finds its way onto your regular dinner rotation!

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